Recruiting Recap: Oregon looking to Obekpa & WRs stand up to be counted

In the world of recruiting, the age-old phrase “win some, lose some” holds true. Prized power forward Anthony Bennett (5-Star/Henderson, NV/Rivals150) has opted to stay local and play his collegiate ball at unlv (no capitalization of opposing programs by this author).

Center Chris Obekpa (4-Star/Centereach, NY/Rivals150)

A serious contender to land Bennett up until his weekend announcement, Oregon now looks to east coast big man Chris Obekpa(4-Star/Centereach, NY/Rivals150). The 6’8, 215 lb. defensive presence is believed to be genuinely interested in the Ducks and communicated that he will visit Oregon before making a final decision.

Prospects

The Ducks may have found an heir apparent to EJ Singler in small forward/shooting guard Tucker Haymond (NR/ Seattle, WA). A product of Seattle’s venerable Garfield High, Haymond uses off the court discipline (4.0 GPA) to excel on the hardwood. As a junior, Haymond averaged 22 points and 10 rebounds and earned KingCo Conference Player of the Year honors. ”Well, Oregon is the most recent school to start recruiting me and I am pretty interested in them, so this summer I plan on going down and checking out the campus,” said Haymond. “I’ve talked to their staff, and they’ve said they like how I remind them of Singler and how I could develop my game into one like his.” (Altman will most assuredly fight the Seattle-based “school we shall not speak of” for Haymond’s all-around game, stay tuned!)

Football Recruiting

Visits/News

Oregon is widely acknowledged as the place to be for aspiring running backs. However, with the recent success of wide receivers Jeff Maehl and Lavasier Tuinei, the Ducks are becoming a program of interest for high-level perimeter talent. James Quick (4-Star/Louisville, KY/Rivals250) and Darren Carrington (NR/San Diego, CA) have Oregon on their shortlists and may both find their way to Eugene in the coming months. “Oregon has been out to see me,” said the 6’1, 180 lb. Quick. “I met Coach (Scott) Frost, and he seems like a straight up guy. Obviously the facilities and stuff are great, but Oregon’s offense is a great fit for me. I know Oregon is one program I’m going to take an official visit to.” Echoing Quick, the larger 6’2, 187 lb. Carrington professed “Oregon…(is) a dream offer…I’m planning to visit Oregon this June to try and earn an offer. I love the offense and I love how they always win. They like me at wide receiver which is great with me. They seem pretty interested.” (While more hype surrounds Quick, don’t sleep on Carrington. Both route-runners possess the Oregon trademarks of blistering speed and big play potential that could see one or both donning Lighting Yellow and Thunder Green when all is said and done).

Oregon makes no secret about taking its time with dispersing offers to prospects. Two prep-stars, wide receiver Denorea Stringfellow (4-Star/Moreno Valley, CA/Rivals250) and lineman Scott Quesenberry (3-Star/Carlsbad, CA), could both garner Oregon offers in the near future. “Coach (Steve) Greatwood was by on Monday. They are on the fence; it seems like they are really close to offering me,” said the fleet-footed Stringfellow. “But you never know with recruiting. He said they are still evaluating me and they will be by again to check on me. I would love to get an offer from (Oregon).” Quesenberry, a mobile behemoth in the trenches, indicated that if the Ducks come calling, it would “instantly” elevate them into the mix of final considerations. (Talented at their respective positions, Oregon’s system would allow both preps a relatively seamless transition into the collegiate ranks).

(Scott Quesenberry Highlights Unavailable)

Prospects

Cornerback/safety Hatari Byrd (4-Star/Fresno, CA) joins teammate L.J. Moore(4-Star/Fresno, CA/Rivals250) as the latest defender to be scrutinized by Oregon. Byrd, a 6’1, 195 lb. bruiser, fights through blocks and routinely finds himself at the forefront of defensive stands. “Coach (John) Neal was by and then I spoke to him on the phone three days ago,” said Byrd. “He said he’s highly interested in me and could offer soon. I’m definitely interested in Oregon.” (Both Byrd and his teammate, Moore, appear to be a high priorities for the Ducks; never underestimate the power of communication between preps).

Once a highly touted in-state product out of Lakeridge High School, linebacker Myke Tavarres (NR/Weed, CA/College of the Siskiyous) is finding himself on Oregon’s radar after spending two years in the junior college ranks. Measuring in at 6’2, 220 lbs., Tavarres effectively makes use of his mobility and hard-nosed tackling on defense. “It makes sense while I’m up there to visit Oregon,” said Tavarres. “They stopped by to check on me, and they seem interested.” (Oregon bears considerable depth at linebacker, which may make it difficult for Tavarres to garner an offer. Nonetheless, Tavarres is a JUCO player to keep an eye on).

For up to the minute recruiting news, please visit our friends at DUCK TERRITORY who graciously provide FISHDUCK with in-depth analysis and player-generated material. Look for my latest recruiting update next Wednesday, WTD!!!

Mark Flores, a Salem, OR resident, is a Firefighter/EMT who is currently attending Paramedic School. A graduate of nearby Corban University with a Bachelors Degree in English-Journalism, Flores is an Oregon Ducks football season-ticket holder (since 2010) with plans of pursuing his masters degree at the U of O. A passionate and knowledgeable Ducks fan with a heavy interest in Oregon athletics and recruiting, Flores, a former lacrosse player, brings a wealth of knowledge of Oregon teams not readily covered by the media.Flores has over seven years of professional journalism experience, including writing for the Statesman Journal in Salem and holding the position of Sports Editor for the Hilltop News (Corban University). He brings his detailed knowledge of recruiting and athletics to the FishDuck team, and welcomes your feedback.Author's Note: "I do not capitalize our rival, "that other school", nor any other institution outside of our beloved UNIVERSITY OF OREGON. WTD!!!"Twitter: @MarkDFlores